“Clearly, while experienced drivers take for granted the ability to properly operate a motor vehicle, the fact is that is it is a dangerous instrumentality if not driven with care and caution,” said Judge McNally.

“It is of paramount importance that those behind the wheel of a motor vehicle be trained and have the requisite experience in order to effectuate the safe operation,” he said.

Shawn Weimer’s 9-year-old daughter testified last week about driving her father’s full-size van early in the morning on Oct. 8. She said her dad had consumed half a bottle of whiskey. She said she agreed to drive but felt a “little scared.”

Weimer was arrested after he told a store clerk that the girl was driving when they stopped at a gas station. The clerk called police and Wayne County’s Brownstown Township stopped the van a short time later, finding the child behind the wheel.

Weimer’s attorney said the girl was a good driver and unlikely to be injured. That’s a key standard under a second-degree child abuse charge.

Judge McNally said that, prior to that day, the child had never driven an automobile.